RegISTERING AS AN AUTHORIZED AGENT WITH COMPANIES HOUSE
Registering as a Companies House Authorised Agent: What You Need to Know
If you're planning to become a Companies House Authorised Agent (also known as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, or ACSP), there are some key criteria you need to meet.
Firstly, you must be registered with a recognised supervisory body for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance. This could be any body that oversees auditors, accountants, solicitors, estate agents, or other similar professions, as AML regulation supervision is mandatory.
Once registered, you'll need to set up an account with Companies House. This account will allow you to file on behalf of client companies digitally and to carry out identity verifications.
When it comes to the identity verification process for directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and filers, there are some important changes coming into effect from Autumn 2025. All these individuals will be required to verify their identity with Companies House, with a 12-month transition period for existing officers upon confirmation statement filings.
Verification requires matching Companies House register data with government-issued photo ID like passports or driving licenses, plus proof of address documents dated within the last three months, such as bank statements or utility bills. For non-UK residents, additional documents such as certificates of residence may be required.
As a regulated agent, you'll act as a ‘relevant person’ verifying the identity and ownership information of overseas entities or company officers before submitting to Companies House.
It's also worth noting that, as an authorised agent, you must be supervised by a UK-recognised AML supervisory body. This can include auditors, insolvency practitioners, external accountants, tax advisers, independent legal professionals, trust or company service providers, or estate or letting agents supervised by HMRC under Money Laundering Regulations.
In the event that a business stops being an authorised agent or is suspended, the business's name will be published, along with the status (suspended or stopped) and the date the status changed. The names of the supervisory bodies the business is registered with will also be shown if a person connects their verified identity to Companies House records.
Lastly, authorised agents must keep records and provide more information about filings with Companies House if requested. They must also tell Companies House about any changes to their details.
By meeting these criteria and adhering to these requirements, you can help reduce fraud and improve data reliability at Companies House.
The Companies House Authorised Agent, in the course of business, must be supervised by a UK-recognized AML supervisory body, such as auditors, insolvency practitioners, external accountants, tax advisers, independent legal professionals, trust or company service providers, or estate or letting agents supervised by HMRC under Money Laundering Regulations.
As a Companies House Authorised Agent, you will be required to verify the identity and ownership information of overseas entities or company officers, acting as a 'relevant person' before submitting to Companies House.
